THE University of the South Pacific (USP) has clarified the claims made by the USP Staff Union.
In responding to questions sent by the Fiji Times Online, USP claimed in the Collective Agreement between USP and the USP Staff Union, there was no mention of a salary increase.
“The salary rates for staff members at the University are currently set out in Schedule 1. In 2016-2017 the Union and the University have agreed to undergo a Job Evaluation (JE) exercise to formalize the Job Description (JD) for each Intermediate & Junior (I&J) and Hourly Paid position. Both parties agree that the salary rate evaluation for individual positions will be determined as per the JE exercise and become the new salary rates applicable as of the JD adoption for that position,” USP stated.
USP added that the job evaluation had been completed for all the positions required.
It goes on to say that USP is currently finalising the figures which will then be sent to the vice-chancellor for his clearance before it is taken to the USP staff union.
The salary adjustments will then promptly be paid, according to USP.
USP have also claimed that the staff union had failed to submit their Log of Claims.
“In a meeting with the Union on the 5th of September, USP had given the Union 2 weeks to bring their Log of Claims (LOC) to the University. A number of reminders have subsequently sent to the Union Secretary to send LOC for further discussion. To date however the University is yet to receive anything.Without a LOC from the Union side USP cannot hold any discussions on the Collective Agreement (CA),” the university added.
In regards of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, USP is saying that more than 30 events have been held at the Laucala Campus to which all staff were invited to attend, free of charge.
“In relation to the 50th Anniversary Closing Dinner, this event marks a significant milestone in the history of USP and this will be celebrated at a dinner of appropriate standard that befits an event of this stature. It, like all the events during the 50th Anniversary, attracts a particular stakeholder within the USP family. It was never expected that it would be an event that appealed to everyone,” stated USP.
USPSU General Secretary Litiana Waqalevu had said yesterday they were to receive the collective agreement in their two weeks ago but that did not eventuate.
Ms Waqalevu adds that she received a letter from USP’s Acting Director Human Resources Anjeela Jokhan last week in which it was stated that they will not be getting their back pays this year.
Ms Waqalevu said they could not do anything now as staff were going on leave and holidays and they will take action in the new year.
“The Ministry of Labour closes next week so we cannot do anything right now. We will when the school opens next year. Even if they don’t allow us we will protest and march and go on a strike just like the one’s at ATS did,” she said.
Mrs Waqalevu added that this was the university’s 50th year and no celebration was organised for the Laucala staff.
“To conclude the 50th Anniversary year, the USP 50th year Anniversary Committee did not organise any staff celebration of any kind for the Laucala staff, but is organizing a $200 ticket 50th celebration dinner at the GPH on December 13th. “she said.
“Our category of staff has about 50 per cent of staff earning $300 – $500 a fort night in salary and guesses how many would pay that $200?”
